Jennifer Buchanan Walsh, MD $$

Dr. Jennifer Walsh has trained and practiced in both pediatrics and internal medicine, so she’s treated patients across the lifespan. She enjoys caring for adolescents, especially, because they are at an important time in their lives that requires a unique kind of support.

“I value being in a position to provide that education and support as they journey through adolescence to adulthood,” says Dr. Walsh. “Their unique personalities and independence are emerging, and they are making important choices that will affect their lives, both now and in the future.”

Dr. Walsh explains that some older children and teens’ risk-taking behaviors and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on their health and relationships – sometimes leading to lifelong struggles.

“If I can support their engagement in healthy behaviors as teens, we may prevent many future health consequences,” she says.

If I can support their engagement in healthy behaviors as teens, we may prevent many future health consequences.

Dr. Walsh is committed to educating pediatric and other medical residents about ways they can more effectively interact with adolescents in their care and play a part in promoting positive health behaviors. These behaviors may include making healthy food choices; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse; minimizing high-risk sexual activity; and fostering a positive self-image and sound mental health.

She is also interested in improving the transition process these patients face when moving from pediatrics to adult medicine.

Dr. Walsh’s primary practice is general medicine. She earned her medical degree at the UT Health Science Center at Houston, completed internships and residencies in pediatrics and internal medicine at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, and is certified by both the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

She is an Associate Professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she serves as the founding Division Chief and Residency Program Director for Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.  She is an attending physician in general pediatrics at Children’s Health℠,  and was named one of the Best Pediatric Specialists in Dallas by D Magazine three years in a row.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Walsh enjoys spending time with her husband, Deryk, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children's Health, and three active sons. Her hobbies include hiking, yoga and cheering from the stands at soccer and ice hockey games with her family.